As summer swim season, travel ball, and family vacations end, our focus shifts to football. For football families, this season and this game are everything. We spend years at the ballfield on Saturdays and Thursdays, all for the moment when our kids finally take the field under the Friday Night Lights. It’s more than just a game—it’s a culture and a way of life. 

The North Gwinnett Football League and North Gwinnett High School Football team add much joy to our community! What fun it is to see our young athletes pour themselves into a sport with every ounce of their being and strive to accomplish more every single week. We spent the past few weeks catching up with some of Edinburgh's gridiron die-hards and are excited to share a bit about them with you this month as we celebrate The Boys of Fall!

Robert Baxter

One of our newest community members is also new to the sport. Robert Baxter is a 14-year-old NGHS Freshman Linebacker who started playing only two years ago. He's loving being a part of Edinburgh and is excited to participate in a program that puts him under the Friday Night Lights!

 

Easton Brock

Easton Brock has been playing football since he was big enough to bobble around in a helmet! This 14-year-old Freshman QB has made a name for himself with the NGFL Bulldogs over the years. He's fresh off a summer travel season with a 7-on-7 league and ready to make some big high school-level plays. 

The Brock Family has enjoyed watching Easton play for nine years and hopes to see him continue contributing for years - through college and maybe beyond! His family is so very proud of his dedication to the sport. His mom, Devon, never ceases to be impressed with Easton's versatility and flexibility. When he took the field recently as a receiver instead of the quarterback, she shared, "I didn’t realize this QB could catch too!  He had several great plays at receiver and a perfect 40-yard bomb on the second play of the game". Hold on tight, Bulldog fans! Easton Brock has some great plays in store over the next four years.

Keller Copeland

NGHS Sophomore Linebacker Keller Copeland has spent an entire decade playing football. His work during his younger years has landed him a varsity roster spot with the NGHS Bulldogs, and he's already making an impact on their season. Nothing is stopping this OLB on the field or in life. He hopes to continue playing for all his school years and maybe beyond! 

Kipton Copeland

Family traditions and football positions run deep in the Copeland family! Kipton Copeland is an 8th-grade Linebacker for the NGFL. He is starting his seventh year in the sport, and just like Keller, he has big dreams of playing through his college years.

Copeland's mom, LoraMarie, loves this football life and soaking in every minute of this season. In an early season matchup, our NGHS Bulldogs made a long trip down to Colquitt County for a highly anticipated battle. LoraMarie could not help but share her joy: "I’m so proud of the boys and how they persevered in this environment. I’m so happy for them…a win that was well deserved." We are so impressed with these Copeland kids, too!

Cael O'Hern

Freshman Wide Receiver Cael O'Hern has spent nine years learning and growing his football abilities. His freshman football experience is off to a great start, and he hopes to play for years to come. 

Teagan O'Hern

Seventh grader Teagan O'Hern plays Defensive End for the NGFL 12U Team. He has played for three years and is excited for his football future. Like his brother and neighborhood friends, he hopes to play throughout high school and college.

Football Mom Lennette O'Hern tells us, "Watching Teagan and Cael play brings a smile to my heart. They love their past and present teammates on and off the field. It’s a great atmosphere with the parents and community supporting the kids from Saturdays to Thursdays to Friday nights. The North Gwinnett football family is the best!

MJ Sanu

At just nine years old and in the third grade at Riverside Elementary, MJ Sanu is already a force to be reckoned with on the NGFL 9U team. Following his dad to the NFL is what he was born to do! He's been playing football since he could walk and on the field in tackle ball for two years. He plays Wide Receiver and Safety. When asked about his long-term football plans, it's simple, "NFL, here I come!".

Duke Salter

Edinburgh is well-represented on the NGFL 9U team! Duke Salter is another 9-year-old Riverside Elementary third grader who cannot get enough of football's guts and glory. Duke absolutely loves football and hopes to continue for years to come. Duke plays Wide Receiver and Fullback, and his passion must run in the family! His mom, Chloe, shares, "I love nothing more than to watch my son live out his dream of playing football." 

Congratulations to all of our Bulldogs, big and small! What a great season this will be. 

We love featuring our athletes and look forward to showcasing our young athletes again in the months to come.

CTA:

We are calling all Baseball and Softball Players! To be included in our spring training feature, submit your info via the QR code by February 1, 2025.